Hi Tim, You'll get a bunch of opinions here. First, you should decide if you're goal is print or online. If you favor one or the other, that might influence your decision. If it doesn't matter, then you might choose from a few of the products that do both fairly well.
Some would argue FrameMaker is among the best for printed manuals. It also does well as the basis for PDF. It is also capable of creating online, hyperlinked manuals, but it takes some forethought and work. Flare seems to be gaining ground with the online help crowd, but I think it falls short for print. That's where Madcap hopes to break in with Blaze. I really would recommend against trying to use a beta product (Blaze) for a high-profile project. That is, unless you have unlimited time and patience and are willing to beat your head on the desk while you deal with the inevitable bugs. You're right, Publisher is not up to the task. AuthorIT is a possibility. I don't know enough about the other online help packages to offer much advice. To me, those seem like they do a good job of presenting topic by topic information, but they lack something when it comes to organizing a linear document like a sales training manual. How will the reader know when he or she has finished reading? Other than that, I recommend you visit Char James-Tanny's HAT Matrix to get a good overview of different Help Authoring Tools. http://helpstuff.com/hats.html Tom Johnson -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tim Mantyla Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 1:19 PM To: tcp@techcommpros.com Subject: [TCP] Best software for a training manual? Hi all, My mission: create a user-friendly sales training manual. I am wondering if anyone can offer some tips, or point me toward someone who can advise me on what software might be appropriate for this venture. We are thinking about a mostly online, easily revisable and hyperlinked format. I'm a writer familiar w/ MS Word, unfamiliar with much other software. Word has problems displaying images, as I'm sure you're aware. (A huge memory upgrade seems to have solved this problem, at least for now.) Might we consider RoboHelp as an authoring tool, or put it on an intranet within the company? Other options? MS Publisher seems too limited. Going to trial demo ExtremeEase, Madcap Flare, on the list to test Madcap Blaze, maybe test others I find. I'd appreciate your "hip-pocket" reviews of software you use. My goals for the manual include: . As user-friendly, easy to read & understand as possible Visual when possible Encourage hands-on learning Describe hands-on procedures when helpful Easy to revise - on the network Usable as a training manual and a reference Keep or link updated procedures thru a central source I'd appreciate your "hip-pocket" reviews of software you use. Thanks for any help you can offer! Best wishes for healthy living, Tim Mantyla Account Representative NuStep, Inc. - www.nustep.com 5111 Venture Drive, Suite 1 Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Ph: 800-322-2209, Ext. 173 Fax: 734-769-8180 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Transforming Lives" ______________________________________________ Author Help files and create printed documentation with Doc-To-Help. New release adds Team Authoring Support, enhanced Web-based help technology and PDF output. Learn more at www.doctohelp.com/tcp. Interactive 3D Documentation Parts catalogs, animated instructions, and more. www.i3deverywhere.com _______________________________________________ Technical Communication Professionals Post a message to the list: email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, unsubscribe, archives, account options, list info: http://techcommpros.com/mailman/listinfo/tcp_techcommpros.com Subscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe (email): send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Need help? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] Get the TCP whole experience! http://www.techcommpros.com
